This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Already a member? Log in
Apprentice jockey Izzy Neale has died after a fall at a race meeting in the Australian state of New South Wales.
The 22-year-old came down from her mount, Marnoo, in the Warren Shire Cotton Cup at Warren racecourse on Sunday.
She was airlifted to hospital and placed on life support after being left in a critical condition.
Her family said she died in hospital on Tuesday.
In a statement, the jockey’s family said: “It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Izzy, surrounded by her closest family and friends.
“Izzy rode horses before she could walk. Her love of horses was a lifelong passion that, more recently, had grown into a love of racing.
“Through organ donation, Izzy will give others the chance of life, bringing some comfort to our family amid this devastating loss.
“We are deeply grateful for the love, kindness and support shown to Izzy and our family by her friends, the racing community and everyone who has been by our side during this heartbreaking time.
“We would like to thank Racing NSW and the NSW Jockeys Association for their care, compassion and support during this incredibly difficult time.
“We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the medical staff who cared for Izzy with such compassion.
“As we come to terms with our loss, we ask that our family’s privacy be respected. Izzy was dearly loved and will forever be in our hearts.”
The news comes after multiple other high-profile jockey deaths in recent years.
In March this year, British amateur National Hunt jockey Sam Lee died at the age of 27.
Mr Lee was a prominent figure on the point-to-point circuit and rode four winners under rules during his career.
In October 2025, Apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes, who was described at the time as one of racing’s most promising young riders, died at the age of 19.
Jakes rode 59 winners on the Flat over the last three years from 519 rides, including 19 this year from 188 rides, with his first winner coming at the age of just 16.


Africana55 Radio